BUYER

Motorsport Network, LLC; Coventry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

AP Racing Ltd in Coventry is seeking a Buyer to join the Purchasing team to secure the best suppliers and commercial outcomes. You will translate technical requirements into sourcing decisions for direct and indirect purchases across OE programmes, top level Motorsport, and upgrade kits.

You will collaborate with Engineering and Quality, review drawings, run RFQs, negotiate, and develop new suppliers to meet cost, lead time and quality targets for diverse product streams.

Qualifications

• Experience in technical purchasing within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Proven experience running RFQs, evaluating quotations and negotiating with technical suppliers.
• Understanding of supplier qualification, quality systems and traceability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing projects for new and existing parts, from technical review through to supplier nomination and contract award.
• Review drawings, specifications and requirements with Engineering, and challenge them where cost, manufacturability or supply risk can be improved.
• Prepare and issue RFQs, compare quotations on a total cost basis and recommend suppliers to the Procurement Manager.
• Identify and develop new suppliers, particularly for specialist, low-volume and high-mix requirements.
• Make make-versus-buy and process selection recommendations (machined, cast, forged or fabricated).

Skills

Technical purchasing

RFQ management

Cost analysis

Education

MCIPS or equivalent

Engineering or supply chain degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Job title

Buyer

Department

Purchasing

Location

AP Racing Ltd, Coventry

Reports to

Purchasing Manager / VP of Purchasing

Employment type

Full-time, Permanent

Role Purpose

We are looking for a Buyer to join our purchasing team and provide credible procurement capability by finding, qualifying and developing the right suppliers and securing the best commercial and technical outcomes.

You will work closely with Engineering and Quality, translating technical requirements into sourcing decisions for direct purchases (production materials and components) and indirect purchases (tooling and equipment). The role covers three very different business streams: OE programmes with long development cycles and strict customer requirements, top level Motorsport where lead times are short, and upgrade kits where cost and availability drive commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing and supplier selection

• Lead sourcing projects for new and existing parts, from technical review through to supplier nomination and contract award
• Review drawings, specifications and requirements with Engineering, and challenge them where cost, manufacturability or supply risk can be improved
• Prepare and issue RFQs, compare quotations on a total cost basis and recommend suppliers to the Procurement Manager
• Identify and develop new suppliers, particularly for specialist, low-volume and high-mix requirements
• Make make-versus-buy and process selection recommendations (machined, cast, forged or fabricated)

Supplier qualification and quality

• Qualify new suppliers through capability assessments, audits, samples and first article inspection
• Support OE programmes with supplier approval, PPAP/FAI and change control requirements
• Assess alternative materials and processes proposed by suppliers, working with Engineering to validate them

Commercial management

• Build should-cost models and cost breakdowns to support negotiation and challenge quotations
• Negotiate prices, terms, tooling and long-term agreements, in conjunction with the Purchasing Manager
• Develop cost reduction initiatives and track savings
• Analyse spend and market data to support category strategies and identify opportunities
• Ensure business plan objectives are met including monthly Price Variance.

Indirect and capital sourcing

• Lead sourcing for indirect categories, including machine tools, cutting tools, test and calibration equipment, subcontract processing, maintenance and professional services
• Run competitive tenders and evaluate capital equipment purchases with budget holders

Risk and compliance

• Assess supplier risk, including financial health, single-source exposure and capacity, and recommend mitigation
• Support compliance with export control, trade regulations and quality standards (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001)
• Maintain accurate supplier approval, contract and sourcing records

ESG and responsible sourcing

• Embed environmental, social and governance criteria into supplier selection, tender evaluation and contract terms
• Assess suppliers against our Supplier Code of Conduct, covering human rights, labour practices, health and safety, anti-bribery and corruption, and business ethics
• Carry out supply chain due diligence on high-risk materials and regions, including conflict minerals and traceability of raw materials such as carbon fibre, titanium, aluminium and rare metals
• Collect and review supplier sustainability data, including carbon emissions, energy use, waste, recycled content and environmental certifications (such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001), to support the company's reporting and customer requirements
• Respond to OE customer sustainability questionnaires and audits, and support supplier ratings such as NQC
• Work with suppliers to reduce environmental impact, set improvement targets and identify lower-carbon materials, processes and logistics options
• Support our Modern Slavery Act statement and wider ESG reporting by maintaining accurate supplier information

About You

Essential

• Experience in technical purchasing, sourcing or supplier development within a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Proven experience running RFQs, evaluating quotations and negotiating with technical suppliers
• Understanding of supplier qualification, quality systems and traceability requirements
• Strong analytical skills, including should-cost or cost breakdown analysis
• Confident communicator who can work with engineers, suppliers and senior stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (lookups and pivot tables) and experienced with ERP/MRP systems

Desirable

• Experience in automotive, motorsport, aerospace or other precision engineering
• Knowledge of machined components, castings, forgings, friction materials or composites
• Experience with PPAP/FAI and OE customer supplier-approval processes
• Experience with international sourcing, customs and import regulations
• MCIPS or working towards it, and a degree or technical qualification in engineering, supply chain or business